.jpg) |
| What is Prayer |
PURPOSE OF PRAYER
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18).
Our theme verse is quite profound. The Amplified translation makes it clearer; it says, “Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty….” Prayer is very important. Oftentimes, when we talk about prayer, what comes to people’s minds is asking God for things, making entreaties and requests; that’s all they’ve known about prayer. Yes, such a prayer has its place, where you make requests, but prayer has a higher purpose than asking God for your needs.
Praying for material needs, that is, asking God for something for yourself is actually the lowest kind of prayer. When you pray like that, you’re praying at the babyhood stage; it’s the prayer of spiritual babies. Someone could pray, “Oh God, I need a job,” or “Lord, I need some money,” or “Dear Father, give me a car, a wife, a husband, a house, etc.”; but that’s the lesser purpose of prayer.
 |
| What is the true purpose of prayer? |
There’re higher purposes of prayer. One of them is fellowshipping with the Father through the Holy Spirit. Another higher purpose of prayer is the privilege to exercise our authority in Christ. There, you take your place of authority and cause things to happen within the ambits of the power given to you by Christ Jesus.
Thirdly, prayer helps us to activate and walk in the consciousness of the divine presence. Fourthly, through prayer, we enforce the will of the Father in the earth.
Prayer is also the exercise of the human spirit. Now, you’d have to understand that there’re different kinds of prayer; there’s a kind of prayer that’s the exercise of the human spirit. Also, all the ones we already mentioned are covered by the different kinds of prayer.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the revelation of your Word to me today, teaching me to pray accurately, in accordance with your Word. Thank you for showing me the right faith principles to apply to my prayers to produce the right results, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: || 1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.
.jpg) |
| Prayer is a key |
PRAYING THE WORD
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us (1 John 5:14).
God’s Word is His will expressed to us; therefore, praying according to His will is praying the Word. This is a very important element in prayer that not so many understand and practice: praying by the authority of the Word of God. When we pray, it’s important that it’s on the basis of the revelation and insight given to us by God through His Word. We must act our faith in prayer, on the basis of the Word of God; if God’s Word covers the subject, then we’re audacious in faith to receive answers.
We read in our opening verse that when we pray according to His will—His Word—He hears us. The fifteenth verse says, “And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” This means that when you pray according to His will (His Word), He hears and answers your prayer.
Some people, while praying, just talk, and don’t care whether or not what they’re saying is in line with the Word of God. Your prayers must be consistent with the Word to be effective. Don’t just pray; pray the Word. God already gave His Word, to show us everything that He’s given to us, everything that He’s made us, and everything that we can do in Christ Jesus.
Thus, when you pray, until and unless your words are in sync with His divine provisions in Christ, you’ll be praying amiss. He’s revealed to us how to ask; how to pray and what our requests can cover, so you can have faith when you pray to Him. And your faith grows as you learn the Word of God. The more of God’s Word you know, the more faith you’ll have, and the more accurate and effectual your prayers will be.
 |
| The ultimate purpose of prayer |
Dear Father, I’m lifted by your Word! I’m transfigured and guided by your truth in the path of your divine and perfect will for my life. I walk in strength, health, and victory today, because I live by your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Psalm 27:1-6 The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.
4 One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore, will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Jeremiah 1:12 Then said the LORD unto me, thou hast well seen for I will hasten my word to perform it.
Importance of Prayer.
.jpg) |
| Prayer is important |
Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Prayer is an important aspect of who we are as Christians; it’s our priestly ministry to pray. Jesus said, “…men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). Oftentimes, people go through difficulties in their lives and don’t know what to do. Not many know how to pray the right way. God told us to pray, not for praying's sake, but because He planned to answer. In addition, there’re vital rules and elements of prayer that, if and when clearly understood and applied, would make your prayers more effective.
One of the elements of prayer is praying in the Name of Jesus. Jesus gave us the power of attorney to use His Name, which means when we pray, we’re standing in His stead: “…Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you” (John 16:23). You’re to live in the Name of Jesus, function in His place, with His authority, and in His character. What a thought! Colossians 3:17 says, “…whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks….” When you pray, it carries the same power and authority as though Jesus Himself were the one speaking.
The second important element of prayer is that we pray in the authority of the Word of God, and the revelation and insight given to us by the Word of God. This means our faith must be based on what God’s Word says, because if God’s Word covers whatever we’re praying about, then we can be sure to receive answers because we’re asking in line with His Word. Faith is based on the Word. True faith is only imparted by the Word. Romans 10:17 declares that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word.
 |
| What is the purpose of prayer |
The third element is that we pray by the power of the Holy Spirit. Some Christians pray and nothing happens because the words spoken aren’t inspired and communicated by the power of the Holy Spirit. You have to pray always by the Holy Spirit; the words have to be energized, communicated, inspired, and anointed by the Holy Ghost. That’s what makes the difference.
When you study the Book of Acts, you’ll find that the apostles took advantage of these three elements of prayer: the Name of Jesus, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit. No wonder they had such extraordinary results, and a marvelous impact on the Gospel.
Prayer Is How We Approach God
The opportunities to pray should be taken every time they present themselves. In Pastor Chris’s sermons on prayer, he tells us that ‘our spiritual life depends on our communication with the Lord. We can pray by ourselves or in a group. When we pray in a group there is fellowship with God. It is something to enjoy daily.
.jpg) |
| Collective Prayer |
Prayer maintains inspiration
The need to keep praying helps maintain that fervor. There is a glow that comes with praying. If we keep on praying the power that the prayers have will be maintained.
The idea is developed that we should meditate on the Word of God. That repetition of the words is important as that is how the Word stays in your mind and spirit. Then, as you pray, the Glory of God will remain in you.
Prayer keeps you focused
“Teach me your way, Lord that I may rely on your faithfulness give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.” When we pray we give all our attention to God. Pastor Chris suggests that one should keep a diary of prayer. This will track what you pray about.
Pray for others’ spiritual growth.
The development of a spirit of prayer comes when prayer means a lot to you. Pastor Chris says that when praying for your brethren’s spiritual growth you are on another level. It is a continual action that should form part of your very being. You should pray for yourself too. Pray that you continue to grow.
” I always pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may grant you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation into the true knowledge of Him for we know the Father through the Son “(Ephesians 1:17).
Prayer is an integral part of our lives. Pastor Chris tells us why prayer is needed. The idea is that the human mouth must pray but how do we pray. He goes on to tell us to speak in tongues because our mind needs to be directed and focused on God. Use your mind to focus on what is needed. If you need further focus use your tongue and speak about what is needed. Glory to God.
When we pray, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. It helps us come into the fullness of Spirit. When people come together, we pray for victory together. Prayer helps us win victories. Prayer is your work. In order to do this, set your heart on the ways of God, this will create the right circumstances for the emotions of prayer. Then you yield yourself to the Holy Spirit can pray through you.
.jpg)
.jpg)
